As we know from the many examples we have in the Bible, most of the saints that have truly made an impact for God associated themselves around other saints that were running for God or with more seasoned saints that could pour wisdom into them according to the Word of God. One of the places that spirit of complacency enters in, is in a group of saints who trade the standard of God for the social climate of the group. The group settles for fellowship rather than the calling of their creation. We see in this group that eventually all the saints are brought to the same maturity level and the need for drawing deeper into the Word of God is replaced with the belief that the group “is” the standard. Most saints don’t realize they have settled into this scene of “Social Christiandom”, but here are some of the signs; first, if your gatherings are more about fun and games than having a heart for the Lord to show up in the midst of the atmosphere and take over, your heart maybe be settling for less. Secondly, if the conversations amongst the group are not edifying, encouraging, and spurring one another onto righteousness, you might be settling for something less. Lastly, if conversations are always polite and admonishment doesn’t take place, in that people can be corrected in love and brought back to the path of Christ in the midst of the relationships and falsehood is the attitude of the day, then you might have settled for something less. Most saints might say that, “we do not have to talk about God and the Bible every time we gather”, which may be fine for most, but which saint wouldn’t want to??? If we are the temples of the Holy Spirit and we Love God our Father more than anyone else on Earth, why wouldn’t He be on our tongues every time we gather with other saints and have the freedom to discuss Him in the open??? Does the company you keep press towards the mark of the High Calling of our Lord and Savior or have they become complacent and settled for just common fellowship??? Have a wonderful life of enjoying the pursuit of why you were created on purpose!!!!!
Ephesians 4
Unity in the Body of Christ
1As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
7But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8This is why it[a] says: "When he ascended on high,
he led captives in his train
and gave gifts to men."[b]
9(What does "he ascended" mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions[c]? 10He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) 11It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
14Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Living as Children of Light
17So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.
20You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. 21Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
25Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26"In your anger do not sin"[d]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give the devil a foothold. 28He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
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